Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
5
Points of Interest & LandmarksMonuments & StatuesHistory Museums
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum stands as a symbol of strength in the wake of unspeakable violence. Visit the Memorial Museum to experience the brutality of the Oklahoma City bombing, and the tenderness of the response. Share our dream of a world without violence and terrorism. Free parking with Museum admission.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- alibroonWishaw, United Kingdom555 contributionsNot to be missed, a moving experienceA not to be missed experience. The museum is very informative, the videos and audio really set the scene, you can relive the incredible emotion of the day. The artefacts, the bits and pieces of the building and the items belonging to McVeigh really bring it all home. The Honor room is so moving and a wonderful tribute to those who lost their lives. The outdoors memorial is a wonderful tribute and a great way of remembering and the whole experience was so tastefully done in a way to educate, to tell a story, to remember the victims and to show the positive side of a community who came out, stood together and showed the good side of people in a time of terrible acts. We spent over two hours here making sure we read and listened to everyone's stories. We parked in the center's car park which is free with the entrance ticket.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 October 2023
- CRAIG CUtah438 contributionsHumbling ExperienceBe prepared for what you see and feel when walking through the museum. It can get your anxiety to go up as you hear and see what took place. They have done an excellent job with the grounds and the museum. It covers everything that happened that day, the days following, and how they apprehended those responsible for this attack.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 16 October 2023
- adcrumptonPhoenix, Arizona158 contributionsSuch a beautiful Memorial.Such a beautiful memorial. I saw the Jesus Wept site across the street first and was so moved. The museum was paced in such a way that you could absorb the facts of the bombing without feeling shipwrecked. One thing I noticed as I walked through with others was how everyone walking through read all the content and watched all the videos...as though we hung on every word. It was so well done. I cried at the realization of how Oklahoman's responded to the bombing - such generosity, compassion, and ethic of care for their fellow humans.Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 14 November 2023
- Scarlet Travels16 contributionsVery well done, you are right back there, 30 yrs ago and in a place of dismay.Exhibit very well done. It took me back 30 yrs, but in a very personal way. The story was told with the people of Oklahoma and the victims and their families front and center to what you remember. I did get weepy. But, I think that is good. I think me, an American, who has seen a lot in 30 yrs, should mourn for more innocent times. Thx OKC MM for reminding us all.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 19 December 2023
- DreamsOfMyComradesPark City, Utah429 contributionsInformative and reverentAn informative, reverent tribute to the victims of a senseless tragedy. Very well-organized. We arrived late, so had to hustle through in a little over an hour. I’d say two hours would be an appropriate allotment of time to properly experience this museum.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 January 2024
- harryatkckKansas City, Kansas986 contributionsA lot of thought went into designing the memorialMy wife & I only went to the memorial. It is free & open 24 hours a day. We did not go to the museum. We lived in Lawton, OK the day of the bombing. We remember the event well & what we were doing at the time of the bombing. Part of my army unit at Ft Sill, OK helped in the recovery operations of the Murrah building. A great deal of thought went into the planning & building of the memorial. The reflecting pool looks deep from a distance, but it is a thin layer of water. The chairs with the names of the victims of the bombing are arranged in rows representing the different floors they were on in the Murrah building at the time of the bombing. I'm glad we went.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 March 2024
- mneedham123Newark, Arkansas118 contributionsEmotionalThe museum is an absolute must when vacationing in Oklahoma City. They did an excellent job of presenting what happened at the bombing site. Without saying too much and it spoiling the tour. I must say that you better take a tissue. It’s very important to remember those that lost their lives. Do the tour!!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 6 April 2024
- MamaBearJourneysGeorgia12 contributionsBeautiful MemorialWe had a brief visit to the memorial and missed the tour due to time constraints. Even with limited time, it's worth stopping by to see this remarkable memorial, which is open 24 hours a day for free. The reflection pool is stunning, and the memorial's tree symbolizing life's resilience after tragedy. The chairs bearing the names of the bombing victims are arranged by floors they were on in the Murrah building during the incident, including those representing the children lost that day. We will certainly return to this place when we have more time.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 12 April 2024
- Jen WFenton, Michigan345 contributionsPowerful and movingOn a 2-week road trip and visits to numerous museums and historic sites, this one stood out. The museum pulls you in as the story unfolds. As I sat in the water meeting, I knew the bomb blast was coming, but I still jumped. This is a museum you will feel. Do the museum first. After learning the facts, and feeling the story, the outdoor memorial will be more moving. It is a beautiful space with much meaning.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 April 2024
- valliam13Sorrento, Florida425 contributionsWe RememberThis is an excellent memorial that tells the story of that day from beginning to current day healing and remembrance. It is very well put together and a lot of thought went into the memorial. The grounds where the Murrah building stood is filled with symbolism. If you can get in on a ranger talk or ask them to tell you about the symbolism that is part of the grounds. Don’t forget to visit the survivor tree and the overlook area as well. We spent over 3 hours there and I would have probably been there for more but I was with my family and evidently was reading too slow. I’d say if you want to read all the plaques to plan for 4 hours. Also, make sure you reserve your timed entry in advance (timed entry to enter the museum initially as the rest is free roam.) also, they have an augmented reality tour that you need the app for which I caught part of as well.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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5.0
5,304 reviews
Excellent
4,774
Very good
449
Average
64
Poor
10
Terrible
7
Alex H
Oklahoma City, OK689 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
The grounds outside the museum are wonderful and free to view. These include the ponds, remembrance tree and several interactive station as you walk through describing the memorial and area. The tour inside is very touching and I highly recommend it, as it covers life and events leading up to, during and ultimately after the attack. An excellent museum. There is a parking lot just to the west of the museum for $5.
Written 30 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aliciaburge
Seymour, IL489 contributions
June 2020 • Couples
This is a must see if you are coming to OK City! The Memorial and Museum are very nice and well done. It is a wonderful remembrance and dedication to a terrible event. You greatly appreciate the people of Oklahoma and our country after being here. I highly suggest parking in their parking garage if you are visiting the museum because it is free with your museum ticket. It took us 3 hours to go through the entire museum and memorial area. There are great places to eat within walking distance also. I highly recommend going to see this!!
Written 16 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill M
Summerville, SC333 contributions
Sept 2020 • Solo
Buying tickets online is essential, although I was able to get in about 15 minutes before my ticket time. ‘Hard to believe it was 25 years ago now...the exhibits really brought it back to life. Prepare to get teary-eyed! This is an excellent example of resiliency. A true must -see if in the area.
Written 3 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom H
Shoreview, MN40 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
“It was a beautiful Spring morning on April 19, 1995...” and so begins your tour on the second floor of the museum. A normal morning, people going to work, dropping their kids at daycare. The only unusual thing is a video camera that picks up a rental truck parked in front of the Alfred P Murrah Federal Building. A door automatically opens labeled Water Department and you enter a conference room in building located across the street from the Murrah. The room has a conference table, chairs and a large picture window. On the table is a recorder on which you hear the voice of a women start the monthly 9:00 AM public meeting of the Water Department. At 9:02 AM you hear the bomb explode that destroys the Murrah building and devastates the surrounding area. The window turns into a collage of pictures of the 168 people who died in that instant. Silently, a door opens and you are beckoned in to learning more about that fateful day and its aftermath. If you can keep a dry eye through the balance of the tour you must be made of stone.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vetskidog
Murfreesboro, TN2,409 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We had a very short stay in OKC. When asked what was the one thing we should see, most everyone pointed us toward visiting this memorial.
It was a rainy afternoon when we visited which made the visit even more somber. Upon arrival, there were two rangers there. One quickly approached me to see what questions I had which I did have a couple since I did not go inside the museum. He shared that McVeigh made the bomb from 4800 pounds of ammonium nitrate fertilizer and diesel fuel and that he was executed by lethal injection in June 2001.
There is a reflecting pool flanked by two large gates, one inscribed with 9:01, the other with 9:03 with the pool representing the moment of the blast which was 9:02.
There is a field of bronze chairs symbolic of each person who lost their life.
It was a rainy afternoon when we visited which made the visit even more somber. Upon arrival, there were two rangers there. One quickly approached me to see what questions I had which I did have a couple since I did not go inside the museum. He shared that McVeigh made the bomb from 4800 pounds of ammonium nitrate fertilizer and diesel fuel and that he was executed by lethal injection in June 2001.
There is a reflecting pool flanked by two large gates, one inscribed with 9:01, the other with 9:03 with the pool representing the moment of the blast which was 9:02.
There is a field of bronze chairs symbolic of each person who lost their life.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philly man
Philadelphia, PA351 contributions
June 2020 • Couples
I had largely forgotten about this tragedy. The memorial tells what happened, tells about the lives lost and those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts. Very interesting how the folks really the whole community came together to help and support those impacted
Written 22 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VanEsq12
Dallas, TX4,075 contributions
July 2020 • Friends
Two minutes. That's all it took for hundreds of people to be critically injured or killed. As revenge for the Branch Dividian attack in Waco, the site of the Oklahoma City Bombing was chosen with mass casualties in mind. This remarkable memorial offers visitors the opportunity to experience that day in the hours proceeding the attack, the attack, the subsequent capture of the two men involved, their trials, and then a beautiful outdoor memorial with reflective pools. This museum is riveting and heart-breaking at the same time. What started off as a day like any other, would be forever changed between 9:01 and 9:03 am. This attraction is a must-see attraction. It will leave a permanent imprint on your heart.
Written 12 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kanina35
Springfield, MO8 contributions
June 2020 • Couples
A touching and somber reminder of the tragedy of April 19, 1995. The story of resilience is beautifully told through the giving of the Memorial Tree. We met survivor David Sykes touring with his son- it was his sons first time in the museum. He spoke with us about his experience, the trial and the 25 years of recovery he’s been through. We left a rosary my husband made & purchased a seedling to remember...
Written 15 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
akat411
San Francisco, CA254 contributions
June 2021
We went to the memorial at night and walked around the grounds, which are free to walk around. We parked right outside and the meters didn't charge in the evening. We really got there at the best time because the sunset was so pretty and the water in the reflecting pool looked like an absolute mirror against the structures. The chairs were lit up as well as the Survivor Tree. There are a few placards and touch screens that give some info about the memorial pieces, but that is the one drawback about going in the evening - you don't get all the same info. that would be inside the museum. All in all it is a beautifully done memorial and seeing it at night was a serene way to experience this, remember and pay respects to those lost.
Written 23 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Got2Travel
Louisville, KY85 contributions
Sept 2020
There are times in your life when you remember where you were when you heard the news. April 19, 1995 is one of those days.
The location of one of the worst acts of terrorism in U.S. history has been turned into a somber and beautiful tribute to the individuals who perished on that site that terrible day in 1995. There are two parts to the memorial: the no-admission grounds, and the museum.
On the grounds you will see the Survivor Tree, which took the brunt of the truck bomb; the Gates of Time with a reflecting pool; and the Field of Empty Chairs, which pays tribute to the 168 who died that day.
Inside, the museum is laid out chronologically, beginning with what was happening BEFORE the bomb went off. A recording of a hearing that was in process when the bomb exploded is played, leading you into the cacophony of that terrible day.
Most touching is the Gallery of Honor, where each of the victims is memorialized with photos and mementos that were chosen by the surviving family members. Only here can you see the full gravity of the bombing.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is not to be missed.
The location of one of the worst acts of terrorism in U.S. history has been turned into a somber and beautiful tribute to the individuals who perished on that site that terrible day in 1995. There are two parts to the memorial: the no-admission grounds, and the museum.
On the grounds you will see the Survivor Tree, which took the brunt of the truck bomb; the Gates of Time with a reflecting pool; and the Field of Empty Chairs, which pays tribute to the 168 who died that day.
Inside, the museum is laid out chronologically, beginning with what was happening BEFORE the bomb went off. A recording of a hearing that was in process when the bomb exploded is played, leading you into the cacophony of that terrible day.
Most touching is the Gallery of Honor, where each of the victims is memorialized with photos and mementos that were chosen by the surviving family members. Only here can you see the full gravity of the bombing.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is not to be missed.
Written 1 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have a 43 ft Class A motor home. Are there any surface streets and parking near the memorial to accommodate our unit? On Google maps we noticed some railroad tracks that are too low as or RV is 14ft tall. Thank you in advance for your reply.
Written 3 June 2022
There is a parking facility adjacent to the Memorial and from what I could see there was a lot of on street parking. However, I walked four my hotel so I really was not paying too close attention. Good luck- WELL worth the visit!
Written 3 June 2022
We only looked at the outside memorial so there were no face mask requirements at this time. I suppose there's a possibility that they still require face masks in the actual museum. Enjoy.... I was definitely worth seeing
Written 8 July 2021
Traveling by RV. Is there parking for a truck and fifth wheel near the museum?
Written 29 March 2021
There are several surface lots within blocks of the Memorial. Whether they can accommodate your rig, I don't know. You may have to call. There is also street parking along the periphery of the memorial. Depending on the time of day, you might find multiple open spots.
Written 31 March 2021
We stayed at the State Fairgrounds RV Park. Electric 50 or 30 amp and water. Dump Station. Close to I-40 and only 3 miles/8minutes from Memorial.
Written 6 April 2021
How much does the tour cost?
Written 27 November 2019
Sam Thomas
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Hi Victor. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and military, and $12 for students. The Museum is self-guided, we do have a free app that offers 30-, 60-, and 90-minute tours. The app is called OKCNM.
Written 27 November 2019
Are you allowed to sit down on the empty chairs at the oklahoma city memorial?
Written 14 June 2019
Sam Thomas
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Although we do allow visitors to sit on the empty chairs, it is considered a sacred space that we ask you treat with respect.
Written 17 June 2019
I have a Golden Passport that allows me to visit national parks free. Is it good at this facility?
Written 26 March 2019
It appears they do NOT accept passes:
The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is an affiliate of the National Park System, owned and operated by the Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation a 501 (c)(3) organization. The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum does not receive any annual federal or state appropriations. The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is not a National Park Service fee station and does not sell or honor America the Beautiful Annual, Senior, or Access Passes.
I pulled this info from the national park service website (nps.gov) but it wont allow me to post the link
Written 27 March 2019
Hello. About how much time should we allot for the self-guided tour? Thank you...
Written 10 March 2019
Agreed, about 3 hours is a good tour length!
Written 13 March 2019
sfranzoni53
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Could someone in a wheelchair go?
I am not a robot.
Written 6 July 2018
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